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Veterinary Visits are Important For Your Dog's Health
Dog ownership is certainly a wonderful and fulfilling experience. Along
with the satisfaction and joy you get from your dog, however, comes the
responsibility for his health and well-being. We at Nabisco - makers of
MILK-BONE Brand Dog Biscuits - have compiled some helpful information
in this Dog Care Guide on the treatment and prevention of many common
health concerns of dog owners. However, your veterinarian is the best
source for any of the questions or problems you have about your dog's
health. Routine veterinary visits for check-ups and vaccinations are one
of the most important ways you can ensure a long and happy life for your
dog.
How To Prevent and Treat Common Canine Problems
Teeth and Gum Problems
The build-up of plaque and the subsequent formation of tartar on a dog's
teeth can lead to serious problems. Just as in people's mouths, tartar
build-up on dogs' teeth often causes gingivitis - the swelling and inflammation
of the gums. And if left untreated, gingivitis can result in infections
and even tooth loss. Some indications that your dog has a problem with
his gums and teeth include:
- Foul-smelling breath
- Encrustation and accumulation of tartar, food debris and pus on or
between his teeth
- Red, inflamed and sometimes bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
The following are some important ways you can help your dog to have a healthy
mouth:
- Visit your veterinarian for a professional cleaning to scale tartar
away and clean deposits of soft food, hair and pus from teeth and gums
- Avoid feeding only soft foods
- Brush your dog's teeth several times a week with salt and baking soda
- Feed MILK-BONE Brand Dog Biscuits daily to help scrape away the deposits
of soft food and tartar above the gum line. (The proper feeding schedule
for your size dog may be found on the back of the MILK-BONE Dog Biscuits
boxes.)
Ear Problems
Ear infections are commonly caused by the presence of excess dirt, hair,
moisture, ear mites or foreign objects such as plant seeds. Some signs that
your dog may have a problem with his ears include:
- Excessive head shaking
- Scratching, pawing or rubbing his ears along a surface
- A visibly red and inflamed ear canal
- Foul-smelling liquid draining from the ear canal
If you suspect an ear infection, see your veterinarian for diagnosis and
treatment. You can help prevent ear infections by:
- Frequently checking your dog's ears for ticks, burrs and plant seeds
- Keeping your dog's ears clean and free of hair and wax
- Not getting water in your dog's ears during baths
Eye Problems
Eye problems are indicated if your dog:
- Squints frequently
- Rubs or paws at this eyes
- Shows signs of redness, watering and discharge from his eye
Except for looking for small foreign objects, the examination and treatment
of your dog's eye should be placed in the experienced hands of your veterinarian.
In the meantime, be sure to prevent your dog from pawing or scratching at
his eye and possibly causing further injury. Some ways to prevent eye problems
are:
- Keep you dog out of high weeds and thickets, especially in the fall
- Don't let your dog hang his head out of a moving car window
- When bathing your pet, place a drop of mineral oil in each eye to
prevent irritation from the soap
Skin Problems
Skin irritations in dogs vary widely and have numerous causes. Some of the
following indicate your dog has a skin problem:
- Excessive scratching
- Hair loss
- Draining sores and crusty patches
- Red pimples or blisters
The first line of treatment for skin irritations includes clipping around
the raw, itchy spots, cleaning the areas with alcohol and applying calamine
lotion. To prevent further injury, don't allow your dog to scratch or dig
at affected skin areas. If the condition persists, take your dog to the
veterinarian for specific diagnosis and treatment. Ways you can help prevent
skin problems include:
- Keep your dog clean
- Use soap never detergents when bathing your dog
- Check your pet often for ticks and fleas
- Keep your dog's bedding clean
- Be sure your dog's hair is free of mats, burrs and tangles
- Prevent contact between your pet and poisonous plants and corrosive
chemicals
Foot Problems
Limping, excessive licking and chewing of feet, redness and swelling between
the toes, as well as raw spots on the foot pads, are some indications of
foot problems in dogs. If your dog shows any of these signs:
- Check for and remove any foreign objects stuck in the foot pads or
between the toes
- Avoid clipping hair between toes
- Soak raw or sore feet in warm salt water
- Bandage raw feet
Consult your veterinarian if your dog has any cuts on the foot pads or if
limping persists. Some ways to help prevent foot problems include:
- During cold weather, keep your dog off snow, ice and concrete for
prolonged periods
- Avoid long walks or runs on hot pavements during warm weather
- Keep your pet out of high weeds, especially during the fall
Anal Gland Problems
In dogs, two anal sacs open on either side of the anus. The glandular lining
of the sacs produces a brown or gray secretion. If the sac ducts get blocked,
the secretion builds up and causes discomfort. And in some cases, infections
or abscesses may develop as well. Some indications that your dog has anal
gland problems are:
- Scooting his rear end along rugs or grass
- Excessive licking and biting of the anal region
- Discharge with blood or pus from a ruptured abscess near the rectal
opening
With persistent scooting and licking or signs of an abscess, take your dog
to the veterinarian for proper care. (In some cases, scooting and licking
may indicate a tapeworm infection.) To prevent anal gland problems, your
veterinarian can show you how to periodically express the fluid accumulated
in the anal glands.
Infectious Diseases
Making sure your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date is one of the most
important ways you can help protect your pet from several very serious
and potentially fatal diseases. A new puppy should be immunized for such
contagious diseases as distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus and rabies
with a series of modified, live-virus vaccines. Once immunized, your dog
should receive regular boosters. Check with your veterinarian for the
recommended booster schedule, which is often dependent on local and state
ordinances and laws.
Fleas and Ticks
Both fleas and ticks are bloodsucking parasites most prevalent during
the spring and summer seasons. The first and most telling sign that your
dog has fleas is vigorous scratching and chewing caused by the intense
itching of flea bites. With careful examination, the ticks, fleas or flea
debris are usually detectable on an infested dog. Although fleas and ticks
can be found on any part of a dog's body, fleas are most often found in
greatest number near the rump, tail and head, while ticks typically attach
to animals' necks, shoulders, ears and heads.
If you discover your dog has fleas or ticks, your veterinarian can advise
you on the most effective products available for treating the problem.
In addition to ridding them from your pet through bathing and dipping,
you may have to bomb your house with an insecticide as well, to kill the
fleas and eggs remaining in the carpets and furniture.
Worm Infections
There are several common gastrointestinal parasites that infect dogs.
Some signs that your dog may have worms include:
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Appetite may be either increased or decreased
- Scooting rear end along rugs or grass
- Worms may appear in stools or vomit
Different worms often require different treatments. To determine the type
of worm infection and appropriate treatment, bring a stool sample to your
veterinarian. Because feces are the main source of gastrointestinal worms,
be sure to flush or bury stools and keep your dog's eating area clean. It's
a good idea to have your dog's stool checked at routine visits.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
There are many causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. If vomiting or
diarrhea lasts for longer than 12 hours, consult your veterinarian.
Basic treatment for vomiting and diarrhea includes:
- Stop all food and water for 12 hours
- Then, give small quantities of water drained from boiled rice, broth,
cottage cheese and bread crumbs at frequent intervals for the next 12
hours
- If no vomiting or diarrhea is observed at this point, feed your dog
rice and lightly cooked hamburger for one day before resuming his regular
diet.
First Aid For Emergency Situations
Poisoning
Depending on the poison ingested, the symptoms of poisoning may vary.
Signs of poisoning include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Trembling or shivering
- Staggering and dizziness
- Excessive salivation
- Excitability and convulsions
If your dog ingests a poisonous substance or you suspect poisoning, call
your veterinarian immediately for advice.
If your dog is staggering, excited or convulsing, try to restrain him
to prevent further injury. Remember to bring the poison container and
or a sample of the poison with you to the veterinarian. If your vet advises
you to induce vomiting, you can do so by feeding a mixture of 2 tsp. of
water and 2 tsp. of hydrogen peroxide or by placing 1 tsp. of salt on
your dog's tongue. Bring a sample of the vomit to your veterinarian.
Some ways to prevent poisoning include:
- Keep your garbage covered
- Be sure insecticides, fertilizers and other chemicals are safely out-of-reach
- Train your dog to eat only what you offer
Animal Bites
If your dog gets bitten, clip the hair around the wound as soon as possible
to determine the extent of injuries. Sometimes the wound is obvious, but
clipping there occasionally reveals multiple puncture marks. Once the area
is clipped, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Do not bandage
the bite so that drainage is possible. If the wound is deep and you think
it may require stitching or if there are multiple deep punctures, take your
dog to the veterinarian.
Keep your dog from running free and monitor the behavior of other household
pets, especially cats, to help prevent animal bites.
Auto Accidents
If your dog gets hit by a car, it's important to bring him immediately
to your veterinarian for evaluation and appropriate treatment. Some emergency
treatments include:
- Try to keep your dog quiet, while at the same time protecting yourself
from getting bitten
- Keep your dog warm
- Stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean cloth
- Support any obviously broken bones with soft padding, such as crumpled
newspapers
Do not allow your dog to run free and always use a leash when walking your
dog to help prevent car accidents.
Heat Stroke
Nearly 90% of all heat stroke cases are caused by confining dogs in cars.
Obesity, physical exertion and stagnation of the air in confined quarters
are all factors that can contribute to heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke
include:
- Sudden collapse
- Muscle twitching
- A blank, staring expression
- Loss of tongue control
- Deep, heavy panting
If not treated immediately, heat stroke usually results in death. The first
step in the case of heat stroke is to wet down your dog with cold water,
or immerse all but your dog's head in a cold water bath. If available, pack
your dog with ice packs. Then, call your veterinarian immediately for further
instruction.
The most important way to prevent heat stroke is never leave your dog
in a car exposed to the sun in warm weather. A couple of inches of open
window will not provide enough ventilation.
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